Looking Back
My favorite farmer swings wide the door to the combine; his smile welcomes us aboard.
Our faces wear unspoken gratitude as we climb the green steps to the corn-dusted cab. We rumble down rows of coppery promise, clipping away blonde wisps from an earthen scalp.
I look in the dusty rear-view mirror at fields laid bare in the labor. In the looking-back, I often see God most clearly. For His footprints on this farm remind us of His faithfulness.
” …at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9
One year ago today, that verse buoyed us. Snow had dressed our fields in white. Scott hadn’t harvested a single plant from these acres, and forecasts warned of more rain and snow.
God’s idea of “proper timing” seemed a sore miscalculation. Had He forgotten what day it was? Did He not see our fields? Did He not remember this was Scott’s first harvest without his father?
The sun melted the snow — along with a wife’s worry. As promised, God brought the harvest.
This year’s harvest? Perfect.
Why can’t they all be like this, Lord? I ask Him.
But from the seat of the combine, I remind myself that the same God oversees both kinds of harvest — the quick and the lengthy. And I will praise His name either way. Because if my praise is dependent on the timing of the blessings, I will have misplaced my faith and trust. I will have erred in finding my security in the gifts, rather than the Giver.
I sometimes think I see most clearly when I remember where I once was: neck-deep in doubt.
Some people say, “Never look back.” But I always do anyway.
Because looking back brings fullest voice to my present-day praise.
Mirror photo submitted as part of the High Calling’s PhotoPlay. Claire Burge asked participants to take an image of a reflection and adjust the aperture function to adjust the amount of light we allowed into our images. I used a 20.
Friend, how do you see Him today as you sow seeds for a harvest? Are you in a long season of harvest? May you know the security of His promise: the harvest will come “at the proper time.”
praying that God continues to equip me in sowing these seeds unto harvest! love this post JennifeR!
our farmers are burning off the corn fields and such now and it sure does smell bad! ha!
I loved your opening.
"My favorite farmer"
I have thought a lot about your favorite farmer, this harvest and have been looking back in my own mind and heart this fall.
The circumstances couldn't be more different from this harvest and the last – but if we don't take a little time to look back and reflect, we lose out on all the blessings that accompanied both.
Your favorite farmer endured his first harvest without his dad, praise God! And this harvest, well, I praise God for it for you both.
May you both be richly blessed in this…the harvest and the recalling of God's goodness – in the tough as well as the smooth sailing (or combining).
I have thought a lot about your favorite farmer, this harvest and have been looking back in my own mind and heart this fall.
The circumstances couldn't be more different from this harvest and the last – but if we don't take a little time to look back and reflect, we lose out on all the blessings that accompanied both.
Your favorite farmer endured his first harvest without his dad, praise God! And this harvest, well, I praise God for it for you both.
May you both be richly blessed in this…the harvest and the recalling of God's goodness – in the tough as well as the smooth sailing (or combining).
Jennifer, It has been a beautiful harvest this year. Reading this post makes me smile, because I first started reading your blog around the time of your posts last year about the snow and dad coming up to help with the harvest. That was a harvest resting on faith and family, for sure.
I enjoyed your view from the rearview mirror. Very envious, though…I love to watch the combines and think it would be cool to ride in one combining corn! You blessed little city girl, you. 'Guess it's one of the many perks that comes with being your favorite farmer's wife.
Beautiful post, Jennifer! And my heart echoes your words…."looking back brings fullest voice to my present-day praise"! Hallelujah!….Oh, look and see what the Lord has done!!
Blessings to you and yours!
HE IS FAITHFUL!
Jackie
Love this post, Jennifer! Your words "Because if my praise is dependent on the timing of the blessings, I will have misplaced my faith and trust. I will have erred in finding my security in the gifts, rather than the Giver."
are so true, I know better, yet how many times do I catch myself doing just that? Thanks for reminding me that my security is in the Giver! 🙂
Praise Him indeed!
"Because looking back brings fullest voice to my present-day praise." What a glorious truth Jennifer. When I look back at what He has faithfully brought us through it simply takes my breath away. His promises us true; He asks only that we obediently trust.
Wonderful pictures!
Thank you. I really needed to read this today. 🙂
"And I will praise His name either way. Because if my praise is dependent on the timing of the blessings, I will have misplaced my faith and trust. I will have erred in finding my security in the gifts, rather than the Giver."
I so needed to read these words today! Thank you for a timely reminder of a timeless truth.
God Bless!
Remembering last fall a lot these days. Yours, mine… He's been faithful. You remind me of that.
looks like your having fun with your d90 and harvest season!
Looking back to see all He has brought you through is priceless. To see the places where He came down to meet us- necessary for growth.
I am so grateful for a great and safe harvest this season, may God's blessings continue to pour down.
This post was so full of hope. I loved the whole idea of looking back…is that not what counting your blessings is? Sometimes it is hard to see blessings in the moment, but when we look back we always see God's hand. Thanks. ~Jessica
Oh, I love this post. One year ago today I was packing and saying goodbye through streams of unending tears. With a heart so broken I thought my body would crumble with its seemingly disconnected pieces. I haven't been able to cry or process much these last few weeks, perhaps it is because my soul is remembering while I am trying not to look back.
(I think you wrote this for me.)
Blessings.
Somehow in those delayed promises is more faith, more communion with God…and more thankfulness when they are fulfilled.
Oh wow. Love this.